Prisons: The Custodial Model Of Punishment
Punishment Philosophy
Liberty University
Abstract
The penalties or punishment in the realm of corrections reflect the philosophies and ethics of civilizations and the governments that sanction implementation. Historically corrections were grounded in “retribution and punishment- and the uglier the better”; “punishments were public occasions and street spectacles “filled with humiliation (Esperian, 2010). Then in the Nineteenth Century there was the rise of the penitentiary and was designated lawbreakers a confined place to contemplate on the transgressions committed, by repenting and preparing for life outside confinement, to be law-abiding citizens of society (Esperian , 2010). Today punishment in corrections considers …show more content…
Many prisons today, such as maximum security prisons, operate under this model. There is great emphasis placed on security for staff as well as the inmates, discipline and order similar to the military, incapacitation, and monitoring of movements. These precautions must be taken due to the nature of the crimes the offenders committed and their propensity toward violence (Mackenzie, 2001) (Seiter, 2005) (Colossians …show more content…
The more convincing argument for the appropriate purposes of corrections is the medical theory. This approach enables the offender to rehabilitate himself or herself to be a productive member of society. Medical does not necessarily mean physical illness, but a “sin sickness” that needs rehabilitation (James 5:16). The “medicines” to help the offender must be taken seriously, faithfully, and by their free will. This treatment could involve then implementation of one or some of these programs such as, educational courses, essential skills and apprenticeship training, visitation. The treatment based programs could range from self-esteem, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, anger management, family classes, and domestic violence. All these programs would allow for probation instead of incarceration for non-violent offenders and provide mentors in society. These programs would pay for themselves with volunteers, and the reduced recidivism while implemented (Ecclesiastes 4:10).
There must be deterrence from committing crimes and should be started in the community before offenses happens; there must be heed taken to remove the criminogenic elements in society. Christian societies should pray for those who are in authority and for
Liberty University
Abstract
The penalties or punishment in the realm of corrections reflect the philosophies and ethics of civilizations and the governments that sanction implementation. Historically corrections were grounded in “retribution and punishment- and the uglier the better”; “punishments were public occasions and street spectacles “filled with humiliation (Esperian, 2010). Then in the Nineteenth Century there was the rise of the penitentiary and was designated lawbreakers a confined place to contemplate on the transgressions committed, by repenting and preparing for life outside confinement, to be law-abiding citizens of society (Esperian , 2010). Today punishment in corrections considers …show more content…
Many prisons today, such as maximum security prisons, operate under this model. There is great emphasis placed on security for staff as well as the inmates, discipline and order similar to the military, incapacitation, and monitoring of movements. These precautions must be taken due to the nature of the crimes the offenders committed and their propensity toward violence (Mackenzie, 2001) (Seiter, 2005) (Colossians …show more content…
The more convincing argument for the appropriate purposes of corrections is the medical theory. This approach enables the offender to rehabilitate himself or herself to be a productive member of society. Medical does not necessarily mean physical illness, but a “sin sickness” that needs rehabilitation (James 5:16). The “medicines” to help the offender must be taken seriously, faithfully, and by their free will. This treatment could involve then implementation of one or some of these programs such as, educational courses, essential skills and apprenticeship training, visitation. The treatment based programs could range from self-esteem, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, anger management, family classes, and domestic violence. All these programs would allow for probation instead of incarceration for non-violent offenders and provide mentors in society. These programs would pay for themselves with volunteers, and the reduced recidivism while implemented (Ecclesiastes 4:10).
There must be deterrence from committing crimes and should be started in the community before offenses happens; there must be heed taken to remove the criminogenic elements in society. Christian societies should pray for those who are in authority and for